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Build A Fully Functioning Wardrobe With These 9 Basic Styles

The key to maintaing a functioning wardrobe is to get on top of the basic essentials. Simply put, curating your core basics is the foundation to building your perfect wardrobe, anchoring whatever crazy, amazing pieces you find along the way. So whether you’re looking to start over or simply wish to boost your wardrobes versatility, I’ve put together 9 basic styles that will turn any dysfunctional closet into a versatile wardrobe.

NO.1 – UNDERTHINGS

The key ingredient to all wardrobes is underwear. It is the foundation of every outfit. Finding the right under-pinnings can be a bit of a mine-field (I’m struggling with my bridesmaids under-pinnings at the moment), but lingerie is essential to pulling off a polished look. As a general rule I suggest that you keep these following styles to hand.

NO.2 – VARIATION OF BASIC NECKLINES

A variety of necklines in neutral colour-ways will save any “what do I wear with this” situation. These will become immediate go-to’s as they pair neatly with pretty much anything on your bottom half; A statement skirt, a casual mum jean, a leather pant, a trouser suit, a culotte, a crazy print or a metallic sheen … the list goes on. These simple styles will add instant versatility to your wardrobe.

NO.3 – CAMISOLES

My absolute pet-hate on the high-street is to see sheer tops and blouses being sold without a camisole. By default this makes them immediately un-wearable off-the-shelf. Investing in a plain body or camisole to pair with these flashy sheer styles will save you so much agg in the long run.

NO.4 – BUTTON DOWN SHIRT

A crisp white shirt is always a great option for those mid-weekday mornings when you’re in a rush or having a wardrobe crisis. It’s reliable, classic and chic. For wardrobe longevity make sure you purchase a shirt that suits your personal style, perhaps this will be a slightly deconstructed shirt, an oversized relaxed cotton, or a youthful knot-tie.

NO.5 – OVERSIZED CREW-NECK JUMPERS

During the more brisk months of autumn and spring, a light-weight knit is your best friend. Thrown over the top of jeans, tailored trousers and skirts, simple crew-necks have an effortlessly chic allure about them. I purchase mine in neutral colour-ways as I am not a avid wearer of bright colours. However, every wardrobe is different so make sure you invest in a palate that suits your closet.

NO.6 – WHITE TEE’S

It doesn’t get more classic than a white tee, this is an irreplaceable wardrobe essential. The best styles are soft and have a relaxed, lived in fit. A crew-neck cut is a no brainer, there really is no excuse to not own one.

NO.7 – NOISEY HOSIERY

Incase you haven’t already noticed the influx of hosiery in recent months, socks are upping their style game. There are some basic pairs that you need for day-to-day wear, but this season we’ve been given the go ahead to jazz up our ankles with sports logos, flimsy fishnets and embroidered pinnings. The miss-matching of socks is to be a thing of the past!

NO.8 – A JEAN IS FOR LIFE

A slim straight-leg style (preferably mid-rise) is a jean for life. Every figure varies when it comes to denim-wears, but I always advise to invest in a classic style that will not date – as even the skinny-jean empire has fallen. Fit and wash is essential in a jean, I’ve jotted down my favourite go-to denim brands for you below.

NO.9 – TAILORED BLAZER

A black blazer tailored to your personal style is an absolute must. It will lift any outfit making you look instantly more polished (check out my “10 ways to make your outfit look more expensive on a budget” post). The cost-per-wear calculation of this item makes it well worth every penny, so don’t be afraid to splash out on a luxe version.